I have a number of Atlas code 100 #8 switches on my layout that I have been having problems with locos derailing on them. I am considering replacing them with Peco code 100 #8 switches. Should I use elecrofrog or insul switches ? I don't fully understand the differences. I am looking for the easiest situation that requires the least amount of work and wiring.I have been told that Peco switches are better than Atlas switches.I am using Caboose ground throws to move the switches.Any advice will help.
I've used both, and I do find the Peco turnouts to be far more bulletproof than Atlas. I use the "native" electric turnout machines for all of them. Every Peco machine has been mechanically perfect out of the box. The Atlas machines are more loose and seem a bit sloppy. I have gotten all of them to be very reliable after some shimming and tweaking.
I have mostly used Atlas snap-switches and short Peco turnouts on the Code 100 section of my layout.
If you buy Pecos now, you may get the newer Unifrog models. I've never used those. Electrofrog turnouts will power-route the two routes of the turnout. Insulfrogs will not.
Get a bottle of clear nail polish, or find a Goth girlfriend and have her get black polish for you. The frogs on my Pecos are a problem, because wide metal wheels like those on engines will bridge across the sides of the frog and cause a short. A bit of nail polish painted on each frog will insulate the frog and prevent this.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
The Peco code 100 turnouts I have are the insulfrog type. No need for insulated joiners for the frog rails. They all have had 2 problems.
#1. The tips of the frog can be bridged by a wheel causing a short. A dab of nail polish like Mr B suggested works great.
#2. Because they are built to European 00 standard. The guard rail gap is too wide allowing some wheels to pick the frog point. I cured mine with a fifteen thousand styrene shim glued to the guard rail and painted. No more issues.
The Peco turnouts have sprung points that do not require a ground throw. If you are going to use a ground throw or switch machine, you need to remove the spring before you lay down the turnout.
Pete
wrench567 The Peco turnouts have sprung points that do not require a ground throw.
The Peco turnouts have sprung points that do not require a ground throw.
Rich
Alton Junction
If you are looking for direct replacements, you should probably check the geometry.
MisterBeasleyElectrofrog turnouts will power-route the two routes of the turnout. Insulfrogs will not.
Mike
Model train stuff has insulfrogs and electrofrogs in code 100
Somethings can't be learned or remembered and for me it is the difference between insulfrogs, electrofrogs and unifrogs.
Peco's are generally shorter than Atlas turnouts. You don't say where they derail, but Atlas is known for having problems at the frogs, the plastic between the frogs can be too high. Fixing that would be easier than replacement.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
wrench567 The Peco turnouts have sprung points that do not require a ground throw. If you are going to use a ground throw or switch machine, you need to remove the spring before you lay down the turnout.
I use the Peco PL5 machines. They have enough power to overcome the turnout's internal spring. The might need a CD circuit to drive them. Mine did.
BigDaddy Somethings can't be learned or remembered and for me it is the difference between insulfrogs, electrofrogs and unifrogs.
However, the Insulfrog has a dead (plastic) frog, whereas the Electrofrog has a live (metal) frog.
Since the Electrofrog is both live and power routing, the inside frog rails must be gapped (isolated) to prevent shorts.
The newer Unifrog is constructed with plastic gaps to isolate the metal frog, but an embedded wire permits the metal frog to be powered just like the Electrofrog. Out of the box, so to speak, the Unifrog is not power routing, but if the frog is energized, the Unifrog turnout becomes power routing.
I did that Atlas switch is 13 1/2 inches in length vs Peco is 10 inches.
I am going to keep my Atlas turnouts, peco's are 3 1/2 inches shorter and would require that distance be made up by ann additionl 3 1/2 inch Atlas piece of track. I will work on the hieghth problem instaed.
TheK4Kid I have a number of Atlas code 100 #8 switches on my layout that I have been having problems with locos derailing on them. I am considering replacing them with Peco code 100 #8 switches. Should I use elecrofrog or insul switches ? I don't fully understand the differences. I am looking for the easiest situation that requires the least amount of work and wiring.I have been told that Peco switches are better than Atlas switches.I am using Caboose ground throws to move the switches.Any advice will help.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
riogrande5761 I laid a variety of turnouts I had side by side for comparison:
Hi riogrande5761,
Thank you for that excellent comparison photograph! I have purchased all the turnouts that I need (and then some!) but I'm sure others will find the comparison useful. It deserves its own thread.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
At the time I was trying to figure out what number the Peco code 100 turnouts were because they were labeled small, medium and large. I was using code 100 in staging to hold costs down and planned to include 89' freight cars and wanted to use turnouts they would operate well through. So based on comparison with other turnouts labled as #6 and #8, we can compare and get an estimate.
To put some of these comments together, the Peco code 100 switches are not a great replacement for the Atlas switches because of the geometry of the tracks exiting the diverging route. That has as much to do with the poor fit as does overall length.
Peco labels their code 100 radius small, medium, and large, precisely because the frog number is not the reason a particular switch is used....its the broadness of the radius embedded in the diverging route. These switches are designed to fit better in situations where the switch is placed in the middle of a curve...more like a compact Europeon layout....and the radius of the curve dictates which size switch is best to use. I think Small = 18 inch radius, Medium 24, and Large 30. Why Peco simply doesn't label the swtich by their radius is confusing. But...the equivalent frog number is not the important metric to use when using the Peco code 100s as intended....its the embedded radius.
Atlas makes a snap switch that is labeled a 22 inch radius turnout. Which is different than their #4 (frog) turnout. Same application as the Peco code 100. Designed to fit into a curve, so the radius is more important metric than the equivilaent frog number.
None of this is to say that the "radius" turnouts can't be used instead of the "frog #" turnouts in "normal" applications, but its best to know why the two kinds are labeled differently...because they are different.....and what you're getting into before you buy.
- Douglas
I'm not sure if this was mentioned in any of the other comments. But to note… On the **Peco turnouts, All three sizes: small, medium, and large result with a diversion angle of 12°. Unlike numbered switches they can be used together for crossovers, yard ladders, etc.
The difference in them is The length that it takes to get to that 12°
With numbered switches, you can't use a #8 with a #6 And get alignment
**Of course I am refering to the Streamline (SL) versions ..not the Set Track (ST) ones